A “Syria’s Freedom Celebration Program” was organized by the Üsküdar Üniversitesi Intercultural Club. During the program, Syrian students studying at Üsküdar Üniversitesi celebrated Syria’s attainment of freedom with great enthusiasm. The students replaced the old Syrian flag among the flags of other countries at the university with a new one. Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, who attended the program, stated that he hoped the recent events would lead to unity in the Islamic world. Tarhan also noted that dictatorship dies, but humanity does not.
The program was held in the Üsküdar Üniversitesi Main Campus Lobby area and Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall.
Within the scope of the program, a flag changing ceremony was first held in the lobby area with the participation of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan.
Syrian students replaced the old Syrian flag in the display case, which housed international country flags, with a new one.
Tarhan, who did not leave the students alone, conveyed important messages in his speech here.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: “Dictatorship dies, humanity does not”
Tarhan, stating that he hoped the recent events would lead to unity in the Islamic world, said that dictatorship dies but humanity does not. Tarhan said, “A new status quo has emerged there. This emerging status quo, God willing, will transform into the unity of the entire Islamic world. I see this as a seed sown. This is a very important day for you. It reminds me of the period after our war of independence. When Izmir was occupied, Denizli Mufti Nusret Efendi, after leaving the mosque, gathered all his congregation and had each of them pick up a stone from the ground. After picking up the stone, he told them to throw it towards Izmir. This is actually called resistance in psychological warfare. That is, it is important for the public to become aware against occupation. Now, here, in the midst of a geography engulfed in flames, a new beauty is emerging. There will be many who sow discord for this. Both here and abroad. It will certainly happen, but the best response against them is to focus on your goal. Don't deal with them…” he stated.
Tarhan: “The mujahideen in Syria achieved results because they were not afraid of death”
Drawing attention to the widespread “Wahn” disease, Tarhan said; “One of the biggest enemies is despair and pessimism. The Prophet (PBUH) says, ‘There will come a time in the End of Days when Muslims will be like the debris on a stream or water.’ Then they ask, ‘O Messenger of Allah, why will this be? Is it because they are few?’ He says, ‘On the contrary, they will be many, but they will be like trash.’ They ask, ‘Why will this be?’ He says, ‘It will be due to two things. The first is “Wahn” disease.’ “Wahn” disease is the love of the world. Currently, in Turkey, there is “Wahn” disease, worldliness, forgetting death and what comes after death. The second “Wahn” disease is the fear of death. Not wanting to die. The mujahideen in Syria achieved results because they were not afraid of death. These are Companions (Sahabah); in my opinion, each of them is like a Companion. Like those young Companions in the Age of Bliss (Asr-ı Saadet). God willing, this global system will not negatively affect them. If a collective unity and brotherhood emerges, there will certainly be those who sow discord, yet it is necessary to remain united.” he stated.
Following the flag changing ceremony, the program continued in the Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall.
In the program where the Holy Quran was recited, prayers were offered. Emotional moments were experienced during the program as national anthems were sung. A video describing the past events in Syria also drew attention.
Sadık Paksoy: “Islam's message of peace and justice will reach all humanity”
Sadık Paksoy, Assistant Manager of SKS at Üsküdar Üniversitesi, said that young people should have the Holy Quran in one hand and technology in the other. Paksoy said; “Today, there are 2 billion Muslims on Earth, but unfortunately, they are in a state of humiliation, shattered. You are the ones who will reverse this trend. A generation that masters new technology, knows its history, and loves its geography. With the Holy Quran in one hand and computers and technology in the other, you will rebuild Islamic civilization. With your faith and effort, Islam’s message of peace and justice will reach all humanity. One hundred years ago, we were one, we were together. Imperial powers drew these borders. It is up to you to remove those borders. Only then can the truths of Islam spread across the Earth like light. Be vigilant against discord, complete your brothers’ shortcomings instead of criticizing them, embrace them. These lands are a trust from our martyrs. Let us not forget them so that our homeland is not lost. I congratulate you in advance for the work you will do and the efforts you show towards these great ideals.” he stated.
Ahmad Yazan Almahmoud: “We must establish a state based on the rule of law”
Ahmad Yazan Almahmoud, a 4th-year student in the Department of Software Engineering at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, spoke about what needs to be done for the reconstruction of Syria. Almahmoud said; “Praise and thanks be to Allah that the Syrian people have triumphed against the cruel Bashar al-Assad and his criminal gang, who have governed our country with a regime of oppression, torture, and fear for over 55 years. This victory is written with the blood of millions of martyrs, the cries of refugees, and the great struggles waged for freedom. Now, as young people, we have a great task ahead of us: to build the future of Syria. We must establish a state based on the rule of law, and restore the dignity and freedom of our people. We must rebuild the education, health, and justice infrastructure destroyed by the Bashar al-Assad regime on the foundations of science, morality, and virtue. We must open schools, faculties, and universities to raise young generations as free, knowledgeable, dignified, and moral individuals. All these efforts will be a deserved outcome of our struggle for a future filled with peace, freedom, and justice that our people long for. May Allah have mercy on our martyrs, heal our wounds, and bring our country to the bright future it deserves.” he said.
Abdulrahman Tilawi: “Health is the cornerstone of a country's progress”
Abdulrahman Tilawi spoke about the reconstruction of the health system in Syria. Tilawi said; “Following the devastation caused by the war, rebuilding our health system is at the top of our priorities. Health is the cornerstone of a country's progress, and Syria's health infrastructure has been severely damaged due to years of neglect and corruption. Today, we must take fundamental steps such as modernizing our hospitals, developing infrastructure, and training healthcare personnel according to international standards. Furthermore, the integration of advanced technologies into the health system is not a luxury but a necessity to provide effective and equitable healthcare services. With principles of merit, honesty, and transparency, we can collectively build a health system that offers a dignified life to every citizen. Rebuilding our health system is an indicator of our faith in Syria’s future and our responsibility towards our people.” he stated.
In the program filled with great enthusiasm, Syrian-specific desserts, coffees, and teas were also tasted.
